On Jan. 15, CMU named Russ Martin as head football coach. Martin will look to improve the Maverick squad after a 4-7 record led to the resignation of former coach Joe Ramunno.

Ramunno spent 14 years with the program and compiled a career record of 80-77 and led the Mavericks to the NCAA postseason three times. Shortly after his resignation, the Colorado Mesa University athletic department began a search committee to find the next head coach to run the program and restore the tradition of success on the field. Over 60 candidates showed interest in the job during the search period and after two months, a new coach was finally named. Martin, formerly the offensive coordinator for conference rival Nebraska-Kearney, was hired and immediately instated on January 15th. During his inaugural press conference, Martin expressed his gratitude and excitement to begin his career here at CMU.

“It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be here,” Martin said. “This is an opportunity and a challenge at the same time.”

Martin comes to Grand Junction with an impressive football pedigree. Before running a nationally ranked offense at Nebraska-Kearney, Martin spent time in the NAIA division coaching at Black Hills State University and Bethany College, where he earned the title of Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Quarterly-NAIA in 1995. He also spent a brief period of time at Baylor University as a defensive end coach.

When asked about his expectations for the program, Martin left no doubt in the potential he and his coaching staff see for success.

“I believe that we can compete for the RMAC championship, and I believe that this is a situation where we can compete nationally,” Martin said. “We don’t want it to be a long rebuilding process. We want it to be a fast learning curve, and it’s going to be a major challenge for them as far as new terminology, but the expectations are high.”